American Idol runner up, Georgia native Willie Spence dead at 23



Reports are pouring successful that Georgia autochthonal Willie Spence, who captured the nation's bosom successful the people of his stint connected "American Idol" successful 2021, has died.

Reports are pouring successful that Georgia section Willie Spence, who captured the state's bosom successful the people of his stint connected "American Idol" successful 2021, has died.

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Reports are pouring successful that Georgia autochthonal Willie Spence, who captured the country's coronary bosom astatine immoderate signifier successful his stint connected "American Idol" successful 2021, has died.

Georgia section Willie Spence, who captured the country's coronary bosom passim his stint connected "American Idol" successful 2021, has died connected the property of 23, accordant with a clang record from Tennessee Highway Patrol.

The study states Spence go utilizing connected Interstate 24 East successful Marion County astatine circular 4 p.M. On Tuesday whilst helium exited the roadway. THP said a tractor-trailer turned into stopped connected the shoulder. Spence, who was sporting a seatbelt, collided with the backmost of the tractor-trailer.

Spence did not unrecorded on. The motive unit of the tractor-trailer turned into present not injured, successful keeping with THP.

American Idol posted astir Spence's demise connected Instagram.

They stated, "We are devastated astir the passing of our loved American Idol subordinate of the family, Willie Spence. He was a existent expertise who lit up each country helium entered and volition beryllium profoundly neglected. We nonstop our condolences to his cherished ones."

Tony Paulk, the politician of Spence's spot of commencement of Douglas, spoke with WJCL connected Wednesday.

He said, "Willie Spence became a wholly genuine and humble large guy. I accidental that is the effect that helium near astatine the metropolis of Douglas is who helium was, a ample humble and beneficiant and large-hearted individual."

Paulk stated accusation of Spence's demise has been pugnacious to grasp.

"To beryllium taken successful his aboriginal 20s, it's conscionable sad," helium said.

Paulk stated the metropolis of Douglas is protecting disconnected connected increasing immoderate memorials for Spence till they wage attraction from the ellipse of relatives and what their needs are.

Below: Willie Spence's American Idol audition

WJCL spoke solely with Spence for the duration of his tally connected 'Idol.'

"These are 3 legends that I’m singing successful the beforehand of," said Spence, a section of Douglas, Georgia. "I emotion each of the judges. They’re exceptional, and they motivate me, and they clasp maine going."

Below: Georgia American Idol finalist Willie Spence speaks with WJCL

In the lead-as overmuch arsenic the play finale, Spence returned home to Douglas, successful which helium changed into presented with the cardinal to the metropolis and a assertion from Gov. Brian Kemp that it mightiness beryllium Willie Spence Week successful the Peach State.

Below: American Idol's Willie Spence receives the cardinal to the municipality successful Douglas, Ga.

Spence could yet beryllium voted the runner-up for the season.

Singer Katharine McPhee, who finished with Spence connected "Idol," posted videos mourning him connected Instagram.

According to his Instagram account, helium became acceptable to execute for the superior clip successful London, England connected Nov. 12.

Below: Willie Spence named 'American Idol' runner-up